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Founder Chairman of VIBGYOR Group of Schools shares his perspective on evolving education, empowering teachers and nurturing independent thinkers in a rapidly changing world.
Education has always evolved with time, adapting to new ideas, technologies and the changing needs of society. With Artificial Intelligence (AI) now becoming part of everyday life, schools have another opportunity to rethink how children learn and prepare for the future. For Rustom Kerawalla, Founder Chairman of VIBGYOR Group of Schools, this is not an entirely new chapter, but a continuation of the journey of education.
In an exclusive interview with ETEducation as part of its School Leadership Interview Series, Rustom Kerawalla shares his thoughts on the changing education landscape, the role of AI in classrooms and the importance of nurturing curiosity, independent thinking and a lifelong love for learning. Drawing on his experience of building VIBGYOR into a network of 41 schools across 15 cities, he also reflects on the importance of teacher development, maintaining quality at scale and strengthening the partnership between parents and schools.
AI in Education: A New Chapter in an Evolving Journey
For Rustom Kerawalla, AI is another step in the evolution of education. While technology is changing how information is accessed and knowledge is acquired, he believes the fundamentals of learning remain unchanged. The ability to question, explore, think critically and arrive at one’s own conclusions will continue to be essential.
At VIBGYOR HIGH, the focus is on recognising the opportunities that technology brings while ensuring that it complements, rather than replaces, the role of teachers. AI can support learning and make information more accessible, but it is equally important for students to develop the judgement and confidence to think for themselves.
The real opportunity lies in helping students use technology with curiosity and purpose, while retaining the human connection that makes learning meaningful.
Empowering Teachers Through Continuous Learning
As classrooms evolve, so must the people who lead them. Kerawalla believes that continuous learning and teacher development are central to delivering quality education. Teachers today need to be responsive to changing student expectations, new teaching approaches and emerging technologies.
At VIBGYOR, investment in faculty development and training is an important part of building a consistent learning experience across its schools. Beyond subject knowledge, teachers need to inspire curiosity, encourage participation and recognise the individual learning needs of every child.
For Kerawalla, developing educators is an ongoing responsibility. A culture where teachers themselves continue to learn and grow helps create classrooms where students feel encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas and discover their potential.
Growing with Purpose While Maintaining Quality
Building a large school network brings with it the responsibility of ensuring that growth does not come at the cost of educational quality. With VIBGYOR Group of Schools expanding across 15 cities, maintaining consistency in teaching standards, school leadership and the overall learning experience remains an important priority.
Kerawalla recognises that the strength of an educational institution lies in its people, its culture and its ability to remain connected to the needs of students and families. Effective leadership, capable educators and shared educational values play an important role in ensuring that every school provides a supportive environment for learning and development.
Looking Beyond Marks to Redefine Student Success
Academic achievement is an important part of education, but it is not the only measure of a child’s success. Kerawalla believes that schools must also nurture confidence, creativity, critical thinking and the ability to adapt to unfamiliar situations.
At VIBGYOR HIGH, the broader vision of education is to encourage children to become independent thinkers who are comfortable asking questions, expressing ideas and exploring different perspectives. These qualities help students build the confidence to navigate challenges and make informed decisions as they progress through life.
The Parent-School Partnership
Kerawalla also emphasises the role of parents as partners in a child’s educational journey. A child’s development is shaped by experiences both inside and outside the classroom, making a strong relationship between home and school particularly valuable.
Open communication and shared understanding between parents and educators can help create a more supportive learning environment, ensuring that children receive consistent encouragement as they grow academically, socially and emotionally.
Preparing Children for a World That Keeps Changing
Looking ahead, Kerawalla sees schools playing an increasingly important role as facilitators of learning, helping students develop the confidence to embrace change rather than simply prepare for a predetermined future.
The ability to learn, unlearn and relearn, coupled with curiosity and independent thinking, will be vital in a world shaped by rapid technological and social change. His perspective reflects a belief that education must go beyond imparting knowledge to helping children discover who they are, what they can achieve and how they can contribute to the world around them.
For VIBGYOR Group of Schools, the focus remains on creating learning environments that bring together academic foundations, personal growth and the skills students need for life. As Rustom Kerawalla’s insights underline, while technology may change the way we learn, curiosity, inspiring teachers and the joy of discovery will always remain at the heart of education.
About VIBGYOR Group of Schools
Founded in 2004, VIBGYOR Group of Schools is one of India’s established K–12 education networks, with a presence across multiple cities. With a focus on academic excellence, holistic development and future-ready learning, VIBGYOR offers CBSE, CISCE and Cambridge curricula through its schools, catering to students from early years to Grade 12. The Group is committed to creating engaging learning environments that nurture curiosity, creativity, confidence and independent thinking, empowering students to realise their potential and thrive in a changing world.